Fatherhood Factor

For all the "dealings" of dads...

Parenting

Summer Send-Off: How To Throw the Best Family Pizza Night

By Leave a Comment

It’s near the end of the season, and you’ve scratched what feels like a million activities off your summer bucket list. Whether you camped in the backyard for many weekends, visited a theme park, or hosted more pool parties than you can count, it’s safe to say that you’ve done it all!

However, the kids are planning their last hurrah of the break before returning to study nights and pop quizzes, and you want in! How about taking part in the summer send-off and learning how to throw the best family pizza night your young ones will experience? Continue reading below to learn more!

Just Dough It

Pizza night is the perfect opportunity to make your dough. Regardless of the recipe you use and the ingredients it requires, you never want to forget to proof your pizza dough.

As one of the most common pizza making mistakes, not allowing your dough to rest and rise for a final before pulling can result in a dense, rubbery, final product that your family may struggle to enjoy.

While most dough suggests a two- to three-day proofing process, a 24-hour minimum is acceptable if you’re under time constraints. You can involve your young ones in this step by allowing them to mix the ingredients.

Pro tip: If you don’t have the dough ingredients readily available or you’re really crunched for time, you can always make it a pizza bagel night and have kids pick out their favorite bagel.

The Sauce Is the Boss

Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s an essential first layer to your pizza festivity. If you would rather make it yourself, you can’t go wrong with quality canned tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and basil.

On a separate note, kids are creative, fascinating people who can spice up recipes instantly. If your family prefers barbecue over red sauce, feel free to test it out! You can also use alfredo sauce as an alternative.

Make It Cheesy

Now that you have your dough and sauce, it’s time to consider your cheese options. While there is an overwhelming amount of cheese options on the market, a low-moisture mozzarella is typically the go-to for that epic cheese pull.

However, the decision is entirely up to you and the family! A sprinkle of parmesan is also a tried-and-true detail that is the genuine chef’s kiss to a perfect pie.

Top It Off With Finishing Touches

Now the best part: toppings! Traditional pepperoni slices for that instant classic, but if you’re using barbecue or alfredo sauce, consider grilled chicken slices, black olives, and pepperoncini as delicious options.

You can use a variety of leftover vegetables you have on hand and take a poll of everyone’s favorite toppings so you have them readily available during the final customization. Pair the meal with the kids’ favorite dessert to end the night on a sweet note!

Throwing the best family pizza night takes plenty of work, planning, and toppings! You don’t have to have an elaborate setup or state-of-the-art equipment to make it successful. All you’ll need are a few ingredients, patience, and the people you care about most to share the experience with.

Activities To Do Before the Summer Gets Away From You

By Leave a Comment

Summer is already here, and that means it’s time to get out there and enjoy the nicer weather. It can be easy to put things off until it’s too late. If you need some inspiration, this list of activities you can do before the summer gets away from you should be valuable.

Plan That Family Camping Trip

Around April or May, it’s easy to say that you want to take the family camping this summer, but it’s much more difficult to actually pull it off. You must make sure you have all of the necessary gear for the campsite on top of checking to see if all of your kids packed everything they needed. Plus, you have to find a suitable campground site with activities that everyone will enjoy.

We get it—this can all be quite stressful. Fortunately, once you get there, it should be much smoother sailing. You can either kick back and relax or partake in some fun camping events.

Get Some House Projects Out of the Way

One thing that all dads like to put off when summer rolls around is the big house projects that need to get done this year. However, some of the best outdoor improvements can be the most rewarding in the end, which is why it’s so vital that you start now. That way, you can make sure you have plenty of time to admire your work and take advantage of its benefits. Plus, you can use the rest of the season for more fun excursions with the big project out of the way.

Set Up a Garage Sale

Unfortunately, we have another one for you that isn’t quite as fun but needs to get done. A garage sale is a summer activity that always has a habit of getting away from people. This is why you need to begin the season with a full-blown garage sale. We’re sure that your family has a ton of unused stuff that others will gladly buy from you. Even though you likely won’t make a ton of money from one of these, you can at least put it toward another fun activity.

Join a Sports Team

Let’s do something that’s just for Dad. Joining a local sports team is a great way to get some sun while participating in an activity that you enjoy. Whether you decide to play something that you did back in high school or try out something new, we’re sure you’ll have a blast with it. Who knows? You might even make some new friends that you can spend time with when you’re not at home.

Try Something New

At the end of the day, though, the goal of this article is to get you thinking about your options this summer. There are so many things to do, and we don’t know what you’ve already tried. That’s why it’s best to just get out there and do something you’ve never done before. You won’t regret it.

Fun and Easy Crafts You Can Do With Your Kids

By Leave a Comment

Fun and Easy Crafts You Can Do With Your Kids

Children are brilliant and creative little beings that naturally gravitate toward arts and crafts. Their talents and interests are something to celebrate and provide an excellent opportunity to better get to know your kids. However, if they love arts and crafts, but you can’t remember the last time you held Elmer’s glue in your hand, don’t worry. Keep reading for some easy and fun crafting ideas you can do with your kids to create memories you both won’t forget.

Fairy Garden

Creating a fairy garden is a great option if your kid adores all things nature, from flowers to butterflies and bugs. You can spend hours outside with your little ones, making a tiny garden for the fairies to enjoy. This craft also allows you the time to bond with your child and delve into the fantastical worlds they create.

Head into the backyard with your kids and try to find a little nook that would be just perfect for a fairy garden, like a flowerpot. Then go to your local craft store and purchase miniature knickknacks, furniture, and anything you think a fairy might need.

Noodle Wreath

Foam pool noodles are quite versatile and make for an easy craft that doubles as a decorative wreath you can hang on your door. There are many types of wreaths you can make with pool noodles. You can go with a Fourth of July theme or create a personalized wreath your kids can hang on their door.

To achieve the basic wreath, all you need is to tape the two ends of a foam pool noodle together. Once you decide on a wreath idea, you and the kids can get to decorating to your hearts’ content.

Colorful Stones

A fun and easy craft you can do with your kids is painting or coloring stones. You can add the stones to the fairy garden, keep them as a paper holder, or decorate your walkway with them. The sky is the limit as to how you will decorate your stones, so don’t overthink it. Just have fun and try to get creative!

Go on a nature walk with your kids and look out for smooth stones that are about the size of your palm. Those stones are the perfect size and smoothness for painting. Once you are inside, give the stones a good wash and wait until they are completely dry. Then, you can get to decorating. You can use markers, paint pens, or acrylic paint. If you do decide to paint your stones, make sure to purchase acrylic paint and varnish if you want them to last longer.

Home Improvement Projects You Can Do With Your Kids

By Leave a Comment

It’s always a good idea to teach your children valuable new skills. Sometimes when you have some projects around the house that need doing, it’s a good idea to involve your kids. Of course, several projects that require heavy equipment or sharp instruments may not be the best place to start, but here are some home improvement projects that you can do with your kids to get them started.

Installing a New Doorknob

Whether you’re remodeling, upgrading, or just replacing a knob that’s giving you trouble, installing a new doorknob is a great DIY project for younger kids to gauge their interest. Typically, the only tools you need are screwdrivers that match the necessary screws and a little patience. This is an excellent project because it’s relatively low risk, and if your child makes a mistake, it’s easy to take the screws out and try again.

Measuring Home Skirting

If you live in a mobile home, your house probably has skirting to protect your pipes from external damage related to weather or temperature. Unfortunately, weather can beat up the skirting, and it eventually needs replacing. The full replacement may be a bit too much for small builders, but one way your kids can help with this project is in the preparation.

Many kids love playing with the tape measure. Before replacing your skirting, it’s a good idea to measure the length and width of the exterior of your home and put it into an online skirting calculator. Have your kid grab the tape measure and run it to the other side of the house, allowing you to get the correct numbers. The kids feel involved, and you save a bit of running.

Lawn Care

Maintaining a proper lawn or garden is a valuable step in home care. Depending on your kids’ age, you could show them how to use a lawnmower or focus on watering the grass to keep your yard looking fresh and clean. Learning how to care for a lawn or garden is a great home improvement project for your kids and gets them outside now and then. If you use a sprinkler to water the lawn, offering a bit of summertime fun running through it is a great motivator.

Top Father’s Day Tips for Divorced Parents

By Leave a Comment

After a divorce settlement is final, the work of managing child custody and support arrangements begins. Holidays can still feel strained, even if your divorce settlement spelled the matter out in detail.

Holidays that celebrate parenthood are especially fraught. It might feel like something is missing or diminished. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Consider these top Father’s Day tips for divorced parents.

It’s Not About You

Parent holidays are not actually about parents. They’re about kids. These observances are a chance for your kids to show you how much they love and appreciate you and to celebrate their connection with you, despite your divorce.

Make a big fuss over homemade cards and gifts. Your kids worked hard on them, and their hearts are invested in what they’ve made for you. Regardless of whether your ex was involved, let your child know how much you appreciate their effort.

Communicate Ahead of Time

Perhaps the top Father’s Day tip for divorced parents is communication and planning. If you have an every-other-weekend arrangement and Father’s Day falls on your partner’s weekend, see if you can agree ahead of time to trade weekends so that you can spend Father’s Day with your kids.

If it doesn’t work out, be generous about it. When you’re a Dad, every day is Father’s Day, so reassure your kids that you’ll have a great celebration when it’s your turn for the kids to stay with you.

If You Can’t Be There Physically, Be There Virtually

When it comes to relationships, technology leaves much to be desired. But if it is your only option, make the best of it. Schedule a time to meet online via your preferred app, and plan some online games you can share with your kids. The web is full of sites that provide free games you can share, from trivia to word games to charades.

Try Something New

Accept that you can’t recreate what Father’s Day used to be. Create a new tradition with your kids. Go to a movie, take a hike, visit a zoo, play a board game, or take in a kid-friendly exhibit at a museum. Make a meal together, listen to their kind of music, teach them a new skill, or share a hobby with them.

Money Is Not the Point

Don’t fret if your budget is tight, as it is for most divorced parents. What your kids want is time with you. Maximize your time with your kids in a way that has nothing to do with expensive toys or gadgets.

Be Flexible

Whatever you’ve planned, keep it age appropriate. If you’ve got a teenager, factor some eye-rolling into the day. Don’t disrupt care routines for toddlers. They’ll love you no matter what, but it won’t seem that way if they miss a nap.

If your kids are not thrilled with your ideas for the day, don’t sulk—pivot. Find some other way to spend the day that gives them the time with you they want and lets you be the Dad you want to be.

Bedtime: 4 Tips for Keeping Your Newborn Cozy Each Night

By Leave a Comment

Every parent searches out the best ways to keep their little one bundled up and feeling cozy throughout the day. Feeling comfy makes naptime easier but gives them the sense of security they need at such a tender age. Get tips for keeping your newborn cozy each night from some seasoned parents to keep your child happy.

Swaddle Your Baby

On a chilly night, putting those cold-weather PJs on your baby isn’t enough to keep them comfortable, and you can’t rely on a blanket for that extra warmth since they can easily kick it off in the middle of the night. Keep your baby nice and toasty by swaddling them before bed; it should be tight enough that it doesn’t come undone but not so tight that it squeezes them.

Pro Tip

Some parents purchase a baby sleep sack or sleeping bag for their baby. With one of these, you won’t have to worry about swaddling, and you’ll get a great night’s sleep knowing your little cutie feels as comfortable as you do.

Buy the Right Baby Clothes

Your baby should wear PJs according to the season and how it feels inside your home. For example, if you crank up the heat on those cold winter nights, thick pajamas paired with layers of blankets is excessive. Instead of doing this, dress your baby in thin layers.

Don’t put your baby to bed in thick wool or clothing suited for the outdoors since this is uncomfortable and traps in heat. Rather, shop for quality baby blankets and clothes, such as outfits with climate control. These clothes will keep your baby warm on a cold day and cool on a hot day.

Have a Quality Mattress

Most parents recommend having a firm crib mattress. This keeps your baby comfortable and lessens the risk of serious injury if they roll over on the bed. Some little ones toss and turn in their sleep, and if they roll onto their tummy and can’t flip over, it could be catastrophic.  

Prevent Overheating

Many of these tips for keeping your newborn cozy each night have covered dressing your baby in layers to keep them toasty, but you never want to overdo this. Overheating is dangerous at any age, and a baby can’t remove layers as we would. While you should dress your little one in layers, keep in mind that they only need one more than you do.

Remain aware of the signs of overheating, such as redness, rapid breathing, and sweating. If you must dress your baby in thicker clothes, then make sure to check your baby by feeling their belly or back and remove layers if they feel hot. Sleeping becomes easier for the baby when they feel comfortable.

3 Unique Birthday Presents for Outdoorsy Kids

By Leave a Comment

Celebrating your kid’s birthday is so much fun. Children still love their birthdays when they’re little. Adults know this excitement dissipates as you get older. So make the most of these years while you can! Read about these unique birthday presents for outdoorsy kids if your little one can’t stand being inside.

An Electric Bike

Your kids will love you if you get them an electric bike for their birthday. These take traditional biking to the next level. They can speed across the neighborhood and learn about all the technology has to offer. Know that there may be an age requirement in your area and that safety gear is a must. So if you decide to get an e-bike for your kid’s birthday, you should also get a helmet and pads. They need to be safe while having fun.

A Microscope

Outdoorsy kids might love the outdoors because there are a bunch of creatures out there. If your kid loves looking at creepy crawlers, then a microscope is the perfect gift for them. They can use the tool to look at bugs and other animals that fascinate them. Be careful; you may have a future geologist on your hands!

Rollerblades

Another unique birthday present for outdoorsy kids is a pair of rollerblades. Rollerblading is a blast because you can glide across the neighborhood with your friends. Additionally, it’s a great workout! You can trick the kiddos into breaking a sweat by purchasing skates. As is the case with e-bikes, you’ll need to get safety gear with this gift.

Celebrate your kid’s birthday as they grow up. As they age, the excitement surrounding the day will go away. For this reason, it’s vital to make the day as special as you can while they’re still living with you. These gifts are perfect for kids to get out and explore.